How to Answer Common Phone Interview Questions
Most of us don’t like surprises in the job search. Because honestly, finding and landing the job of your dreams is stressful enough—tossing an extra curveball on top doesn’t help. So we’ll help avoid any surprises in one of the more difficult parts—and often the first part—of the job search: The Phone Interview. If you’re unsure what to expect in that call, here are some of the more common phone interview questions you might face, and some advice on how to answer them with ease.
But First: Why Are Phone Interviews a Thing?
Phone interviews are, as you can imagine, convenient. What are they looking for in that phone call? Usually, it’s very high level: “They’re screening for risks, they’re trying to validate your qualifications, and they want to see if you’re a fit.” In other words, she says, “Who are you, what do you know about us, [and] why do you want to work here?”Of course, it’s entirely possible you’ll get asked very specific questions that are unique to the job or your field. But more often than not—and usually in addition to those behavioural or technical questions—you’ll get asked the following in a phone interview:
1. How Did You Find This Role?
There are two reasons why someone would ask this: They’re genuinely curious (this information can be helpful for refining their recruiting process), and they want to understand why you applied and how you ended up in front of them (which we’ll cover in the question “Why do you want this job?” later on, too). If you came across the job a unique way, like through a personal connection, this can be especially important information for the interviewer to know.
How to Answer It
Easy—just say where you found the job (on a job board, through LinkedIn, via a networking contact) and a little bit about what made you actually apply.
For example, “I heard about an opening in [department] through a friend of a friend, [Name], and since I’m a big fan of your work and have been following you for a while I decided it would be a great role for me to apply for.”
2. Tell Me About Yourself/Walk Me Through Your Resume.
Asking this question says Smith, helps connect the dots between you and the position. Sometimes the person interviewing you won’t be the hiring manager but a recruiter or someone in HR who has little background in your field. In that case, they may have zero context as to what makes your resume a good fit.
“And for people who have a really diverse background or random jobs,” she adds, “it can be hard for the person reading the resume to make those connections.”
How to Answer It
Wascovich points out that what the interviewer is really looking for in your answer is: “Tell me about yourself as it’s relevant to the role you’re currently interviewing for.” So focus on those skills and experiences that are most applicable. You can simplify your answer by using the “Present-Past-Future” formula. Explain where you are and what you do now, segue into what you’ve done in the past, and end with a brief explanation of what you’re looking forward to doing in the future (and how it relates to this job!).
3. What Do You Know About Our Company?
The interviewer wants to know if you’ve done your research. Anyone can apply to an open job posting that’s up to their alley. The right candidate will be passionate about the company itself and what it stands for.
How to Answer It
Do not just regurgitate their “About” page. Rather, pick one or two qualities of the organization that resonate with you—their mission, their product, their brand, their company culture. Explain why you admire them and provide an example of how they tie back to you.
For example, if you were applying to Morpheus Consulting, you could say: “I’ve been reading your career advice articles for years, and I love your mission of helping people build careers they’re passionate about. I spent the past 10 years in roles I didn’t love before finally finding my niche in sales, and think it would be an amazing experience to help others avoid the path I took and find their dream career.”
4. Why Did You Leave/Are You Leaving Your Last Position?
While it might feel like the interviewer is digging for dirt, there’s actually a larger purpose to this question: Why you left a previous job (and how you talk about it) can say a lot about your work ethic and attitude.
This should not stop you from being honest if you were terminated for whatever reason. Being laid off or fired isn’t something to be ashamed about, nor is it always entirely your fault. And overcoming it professionally and proactively only impresses an interviewer more.
How to Answer It
No need to get deep in the weeds if you were let go or fired. The interviewer doesn’t want to rehash the uncomfortable details—they’d rather see what you’ve learned from the experience. Simply say “I was let go for [reason]” and explain how this has made you a better and stronger employee.
If you’re moving on for another reason, whether you’re no longer growing, dislike your boss, or want to try something new, avoid badmouthing your past employer (even if you desperately want to) and focus instead on what you’re looking forward to accomplishing in your next role.
For example, you could say, “I’ve been working in project management for several years now, and while I love the work I’m doing, I’d love to apply my skill set to the tech space—and believe this job would be the perfect opportunity to do so.”
5. Describe What You Do in Your Current Role.
Like the question “Tell me about yourself,” this provides context for the interviewer to get a sense of your skillset and expertise. It also shows whether or not you can effectively communicate your value proposition—as Wascovich points out, “If you can’t describe how you contribute on a daily basis, why should I hire you?”
How to Answer It
Don’t just focus on the “what” of your job—emphasize the impact. How do your responsibilities contribute to your team or company goals? How does your work make things more efficient or effective? What skills have you developed over time in this role, and how are they an asset to your company?
6. What Are You Looking for in Your Next Job?
This question, says Smith, “sets the expectation…in terms of what this person’s going to come in here and do for us and what they want to do for us.” Ideally, your goals and the role’s should be aligned.
Your answer also says a lot to an interviewer about whether or not you’d be a good long-term hire. For example, you may be looking for a job where you can grow and move up in the next couple of years, while this role leaves little room for mobility. Hashing this out now helps both you and the hiring manager avoid a bad fit.
How to Answer It
“If you already have a job and you’re looking for a different one, it’s because there’s something missing, there’s something lacking in your current position. And I think it’s okay, to be honest about that. And there’s a way of doing it without badmouthing anybody or speaking poorly of your current employer,” says Smith.
She suggests taking the approach of: “I’m at a point in my career where I’m really looking for more X.” Or you could say, “I believe I’ve really honed X skill, and as a result, am excited to pursue Y.”
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